The upscale grocery store will open next month at 6255 East 2nd St. at Pacific Coast Highway and will offer flavorsome food and drink and likely compete with Whole Foods.

Customers can purchase wholesome produce, meats, home-cooked entrées, prepared salads, pastas, sandwiches and much more. There will be a bakery, deli, Wolfgang Puck Express and other departments, including floral.

People with food allergies or sensitivities can purchase foods to their liking and a dedicated gluten-free area will accommodate those with gluten intolerance.

Customers’ dogs can drink from the store-chain’s first pet drinking fountain. Natural and organic pet food will be sold as well.“We are very eager to expand into Long Beach, it’s a natural fit for Gelson’s and we are excited to be a part of the community there,” said Gelson’s President Rob McDougall in a statement.

The Long Beach location will have a roof-top dining area and a wine bar, which no other Gelson’s store has. Customers can eat atop the roof and enjoy the view of Alamitos Bay.

Gelson’s has 16 chain locations throughout Southern California and the extensively remodeled Long Beach location will be the 17th. Gelson’s is a locally-owned and managed company founded in 1951 by brothers Bernard and Eugene Gelson.

The company partners with local schools, religious organizations and charitable groups in the communities it serves.

Third District Councilman Gary Delong expressed enthusiasm at the new store coming to his district: “Gelson’s Market will be an outstanding addition to Long Beach. I look forward to their opening, and becoming a regular customer.”